Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued crucial directives concerning rescue and disaster relief efforts following a devastating collapse on an expressway in Guangdong Province, southern China.
As the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, President Xi underscored the utmost importance of the situation, emphasizing the need for swift and comprehensive measures in on-site rescue operations, medical treatment for the injured, and effective management of the aftermath.
The tragedy unfolded at approximately 2:10 am on May 1, with a landslide striking the Chayang section of the Meizhou-Dabu Expressway in Meizhou City, Guangdong Province. By 3:30 pm on May 2, the disaster had claimed 48 lives and left 30 individuals injured.
President Xi stressed the urgency of repairing the damaged infrastructure and restoring traffic flow without delay. He called upon all regions and relevant departments to adopt a proactive approach, bolstering surveillance, and early warning systems, while enhancing emergency preparedness and swiftly addressing potential risks in critical areas and sectors. The paramount objective, he emphasized, is to safeguard lives, property, and overall social stability.
Li Qiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Premier of the State Council, echoed President Xi’s sentiments, urging relentless efforts to rescue the injured and carry out subsequent measures to locate and assist trapped individuals. He emphasized the need for heightened vigilance during the ongoing May Day holiday, a period marked by heightened tourism activity and inclement weather conditions in certain regions, necessitating vigilant accident prevention measures.
In alignment with directives from President Xi and Premier Li, Zhang Guoqing, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, mobilized officials from relevant departments to the disaster site, providing guidance and support for ongoing rescue and relief operations.